Kensington High Street - the heart of the Royal Borough - hangs in limbo with the future of two much loved buildings in doubt and the loss of a popular shop.

A campaigner who fought to stop Kensington High Street's Odeon from being turned into flats now fears it could crumble into disrepair.

Developers are trying to sell the cinema for £85million. But Donald Walker from Bronsart Road, Fulham, believes the cinema could languish without a buyer.

He said: "£85million is ridiculous. You would have to be an idiot to pay that in a recession. It could take a long time to sell."

The Abingdons Partnership has planning permission for 35 flats and five town houses, but is now selling the building for £61million more than it paid in 2005.

Next year the Odeon's current lease expires and Mr Walker fears the sale will jeopardise the offer of an extension.

He added: "It could be left empty if they don't renew the lease and it might become neglected."

Abingdons spokesman Paul Howet said there was a rigid agreement in place that the Odeon will take a new 25 year lease.

He added: "If we sell it or if we keep it that agreement will continue and therefore there will be a new cinema."

There is also dismay about the closure on February 28 of WH Smith in Kensington High Street.

Martin Green of Nevern Road, Earl's Court, said there will not be a branch within walking distance after the closure.

He added: "We could still walk to Kensington High Street after the WH Smith in Earls Court Road shut. Now the nearest branch will be in Notting Hill and that will be very incovenient for elderly people. There is nowhere where you can order new books."

The future of the Commonwealth Institute (pictured) between Kensington High Street and Holland Park is also unclear.

In December The Design Museum said it wanted to move into the iconic Grade II* listed structure, which is currently closed.

Kensington and Chelsea Council said the museum is still in 'serious discussions' with the developer Chelsfield, which owns the site.

A council spokesman said: "The Council will work closely with the owners, neighbours and local residents to secure its long term future in a way that is sensitive to the building and its setting."